I Graffiti di Venezia ヴェネツィアのグラフィティ

Many people consider Venice as a complex network of canals and architectural wonders that has played host to innumerable historical occasions since its founding. Nonetheless, "graffiti" is a commonly overlooked aspect of the city's story.

Graffito (singular) or graffiti' (plural) is an Italian term of the same spelling that derives from the verb "graffiare," meaning "to scratch," and denotes "incised inscription(s) or design(s)." In contrast to contemporary graffiti, which is frequently made using spray paint and marker pens, ancient graffiti was either painted on or carved into stonework and other surfaces (or a combination of both).

These primarily minor etchings, markings, and inscriptions that cover its buildings and surfaces provide a distinctive perspective on Venice and play a vital role in the urban story of the city. Residents of all social strata have left these imprints over the years, and they often conjure historical events, personal stories, and social thoughts.

Given the historical and cultural value of Venice, the local administration vehemently condemns graffiti, viewing it as a serious issue. Unauthorized street art and graffiti are in fact prohibited and regarded as vandalism. Depending on the amount of the damage, the consequences for such actions can be quite serious and include community service, heavy fines of up to 500 euros, compulsory payment of the cost of redecoration, and possibly even criminal prosecution.

Measures to combat graffiti include regular cleanup initiatives and initiatives to promote civic responsibility among both residents and visitors. For example, the city council has started initiatives to remove graffiti from well-known tourist destinations like St. Mark's Square, using eco-friendly methods and protective coatings to make removal easier. Additionally, volunteer organizations patrol to discourage inappropriate behavior, such as graffiti.

Graffiti, stencils and collages, once considered acts of vandalism, and an illegal and subversive expression of underground culture , are today an inexhaustible source of inspiration for fashion designers.

Today, my Italian friends have come in matching old white costumes for friends to write grafitti messages on.

This isn’t just a fashion show; it is a performance art piece that challenged the very definition of beauty and elevated graffiti to an art form worthy of high Venetian fashion. The dress itself, a symbol of delicate femininity, is now transformed into a canvas for raw expression, mirroring the urban landscape where beauty and decay coexist.

And as usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...It is not an indoor photo studio, there is no artificial lighting, flash or reflectors...With my costumed friends, we just take our street portraiture to an all new level....